Torment ability

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The Torment ability is a slang term used by Magic R&D to describe the following effect: "Target player sacrifices a nonland permanent, pays 3 life, or discards a card."[1] This effect is not named after the card Torment or the set Torment, but rather after the vertical cycle of Torments in Hour of Devastation.

Description

The effect is primary used in black.[1] It gives the opponent some options of what to pay, making it similar to a punisher mechanic, but with a "default" option that stops opponents from choosing to pick a cost they can't pay (e.g. discard with an empty hand).

Cards with Torment

Similar cards

The following cards also make the opponent choose between cards in hand, permanents, and life, but some details differ.

  • Forbidden Ritual - sacrifice permanent instead of nonland permanent, two life rather than three
  • Indulgent Tormentor - sacrifice creature instead of nonland permanent, controller draws rather than opponent discards
  • Osseous Sticktwister - damage equal to Osseous Sticktwister's power instead of life loss
  • Polygraph Orb - sacrifice creature instead of nonland permanent
  • Remorseless Punishment - sacrifice creature or planeswalker instead of nonland permanent, five life rather than three, discard two rather than discard one
  • Rottenmouth Viper - four life rather than three
  • Zoyowa Lava-Tongue - damage instead of life loss, sacrifice permanent instead of nonland permanent

References

  1. a b Mark Rosewater (October 18, 2021). "Mechanical Color Pie 2021 Changes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-10-18.